Coaching

If you are looking to convert a qualification to be recognised in Scotland, please email coaching@scottishvolleyball.org.

Coaching Qualifications at Scottish Volleyball

Our coaching pathway is designed to be clear, practical and accessible. It aligns with Scotland’s national framework (SCQF/SQA), gives coaches meaningful, job-ready skills, and provides progression from first steps on court through to leading programmes and teams.

The Structure at a Glance

Volleyball Ambassador Course – Sports Coaching: Assisting in Coaching Sessions (SCQF Level 5)
Introductory award for coaches working under direct supervision. Historically mapped alongside UKCC Level 1, but set up for a different level of responsibility. This course is commonly delivered in schools and colleges as part of a wider qualification. It’s designed for teenagers delivering Volleyball in the Community to their peers and younger children with resources offered to support this.
Development Coach Award – Sports Coaching: Leading Coaching Sessions (SCQF Level 6)

For coaches who can plan and lead sessions with minimal supervision. Historically mapped from UKCC Level 1 but is a distinct, higher-responsibility qualification. This is an ideal qualification for those working in clubs or working with higher level school teams. The new Scottish Coaching Certificate framework means that those holding the theory knowledge from another course or sport may be able to avoid recompleting the theory. Check out our handy Development Coaches Outcomes document HERE!
Head Coach Award (in final preparation) – SCQF Level 7
For coaches operating across a squad or multi-team environment. This course will be first delivered in a trial format in season 2025-26.
Club Coach Award (draft) – SCQF Level 8
Advanced practice for coaches leading club-wide programmes.

FIVB Coaching Courses (international pathway)

Scottish Volleyball recognises and supports coaches undertaking FIVB awards. They complement our SQA-aligned pathway and are useful for coaches working in international contexts.

FIVB Level 1 – “How to Play”

Foundations: rules, techniques, session structure, and conditioning. Typically a five-day course with theory and practical.
FIVB Level 2 – “How to Teach”

Builds on Level 1 with planning, delivery and evaluation across training and match play. Generally delivered over five days by FIVB instructors. (Usually requires Level 1 held for at least 12 months.)
FIVB Level 3 – “How to Coach”

Elite-level course on advanced tactics, leadership and high-performance environments. Often an intensive eight-day seminar with theory, practical work and assessed presentations. (Usually requires Level 2 held for at least 12 months.)

For more information on each course, please check out this PowerPoint on the New Coaching Qualifications Framework

Qualifications comparison: If you hold an existing UKCC qualification, please check out our comparison table

Coach Licence Scheme

Scottish Volleyball are excited to launch a Coach Licence Scheme for season 2025-26 to recognise the hard work our coaching workforce already undertake whilst guaranteeing standards for those participating in our sport in Scotland. More information will be made available at the end of August 2025 after it is launched.

Subsidy Support to Broaden Access to Coaching

Through funding support from sportscotland, alongside investment from Scottish Volleyball, a limited number of heavily subsidised places are available in season 2025-26 for those participating in a Development Coach Award. The subsidies are available as follows:

100 places at £25 for women of all ages and all coaches aged under-25, supported by a 75% subsidy from sportscotland.
50 places at £50 for men aged 25 and over, supported by a 50% subsidy from Scottish Volleyball.
Thereafter, the full course cost is £100 per candidate, or £40 for candidates who are qualified as PE teachers or whose university or college programmes cover the theory components.

This support is designed to reduce financial barriers and increase the number of qualified coaches across Scotland, particularly from underrepresented groups.

Scottish Volleyball also offer a limited amount of funding to support staff wishing to attend FIVB Coaching Courses. Coaches must agree to support Scottish Volleyball after they return from their course. For more information, please contact coaching@scottishvolleyball.org.